Just because something is for sale, it doesn’t mean it should be bought. The health and beauty industry, in particular, is notorious for releasing bogus products slated to have all kinds of miraculous healing properties. In reality, many of these claims are complete bunk and an attempt to swindle you out of your money.
Skincare products are some of the major culprits behind this, with companies often claiming to have the ability to turn back time and undo the natural processes of ageing. Just as these high claims go unchecked, so does the efficacy of many of their ingredients. While some products are subjected to testing and approval prior to release, this is not always the case.
Unsurprisingly, this can result in some pretty iffy ingredients making their way into your skincare regime without you even realising. That’s why dermatologists encourage their patients to act with caution and review the ingredients of any product before adding it to their regimen. Here are 5 of the ingredients dermatologists advise to stay most vigilantly on the lookout for.
1. Phthalates
What are they?
Phthalates have grown a reputation in recent years as a nasty ingredient to look out for. They are a group of chemicals used to increase the flexibility of plastics.
Why avoid them?
Phthalates are linked to endocrine disruption, meaning they can interrupt the natural reproductive processes of the body and impact fertility.
Where are they found?
Phthalates are mostly found in fragranced skincare products such as body wash and lotion, as diethyl phthalate (DEP) is a chemical component of many fragranced products.
2. Oxybenzone
What is it?
Oxybenzone absorbs UVB and UVA light, making it a common component of chemically-based sun lotions. Its ability to lengthen wavelengths of light prevents the absorption of harmful rays into the skin, and protects against DNA damage.
Why avoid it?
Unfortunately, oxybenzone has also been found to be an endocrine disruptor, impacting the body’s ability to produce hormones correctly. Oxybenzones have also proven to have harmful bleaching effects upon coral reef wildlife, leading Hawaii to ban its use.
Where is it found?
Oxybenzone is most commonly found in chemically-based SPFs and sunblock.
3. Parabens
What are they?
Parabens are probably the most well-known skincare ingredients to steer clear of. These chemicals are a type of preservative that are derived from petroleum and have been subject to scrutiny for many years now.
Why avoid them?
Parabens have long been under fire for their link to breast cancer and hormone disruption, potentially possessing the ability to create hormone imbalances and infertility. This is because they disrupt the natural balance of estrogen in the body.
Where are they found?
Amazingly, even after all the negative press they have received, parabens can still be found in a wide variety of moisturiser, skin lotions, and makeup products.
4. Triclosan
What is it?
Triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal agent that has become a lot more widespread due to the recent surge in the use of soaps and disinfectants.
Why avoid it?
Like many of the items on this list, triclosan is known to have hormone-disrupting effects. What’s more, its antibacterial and antifungal properties have been shown to possibly produce antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections that are far harder to treat than regular bacterial diseases. Other research has indicated that exposure to triclosan has a weakening effect on the immune system.
Where is it found?
Triclosan is today found predominantly in soaps, lotions, disinfectants, and toothpaste.
5. Formaldehyde
What is it?
Formaldehyde is a common ingredient in many cosmetic, skincare, and hair care products. It is an odourless, strong-smelling gas used mostly in adhesive and water-based household items. Formaldehyde is generally used to prolong shelf life and prevent the growth of microbes in water-based cosmetic products. It is also a component of tobacco smoke.
Why avoid it?
Formaldehyde is known to cause skin irritation and rashes in many of those who are exposed to it. Furthermore, it is recognised by most major cancer research institutes as a known carcinogen, meaning that it increases the likelihood of various cancers forming in those who are exposed to the chemical.
Where is it found?
Formaldehyde is found in a wide array of household items, despite its recognised status as a carcinogen. Products that expose people to the chemical include all kinds of cosmetics, soaps, cleansing liquids, shampoos, sun cream, and lotions.
No matter what claims a product makes about its miracle effects, it's always best to check these claims for yourself. Dermatologists recommend taking an active role in determining the components of any health or beauty product before using it. If you’re able to recognise worrying ingredients such as these listed here, you may save yourself the negative health implications further down the line just by taking a minute to read the label before buying.
